According to a report by GOAL on Thursday, November 5, 2026, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has explained how he combines patience and discipline when managing Vinicius Jr, revealing that he takes an 80 per cent gentle approach and a 20 per cent tough stance with the Brazilian forward.

The Portuguese coach was asked about his relationship with Vinicius following Real Madrid's dramatic 3-2 Champions League victory over AEK Athens on Wednesday night.

Mourinho has continued to trust the 26-year-old despite his recent difficulties in front of goal, even giving him the captain's armband and a starting position for the encounter.

However, Vinicius struggled to make a significant impact during the match and was substituted with approximately 10 minutes remaining while the score was still 2-2.

According to El Mundo, the Brazilian managed 48 touches but failed to complete a single dribble throughout the game.

Real Madrid eventually claimed victory through Federico Valverde, whose 92nd-minute strike secured all three points for Mourinho's side.

Speaking after the encounter, Mourinho explained that he prefers to manage Vinicius with patience and understanding instead of placing constant pressure on him.

"With Vinicius, I would say I am using 80 per cent soft hand and 20 per cent hard hand," Mourinho said.

The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager also defended the forward's display against AEK Athens, arguing that his contribution should be judged alongside the team's overall performance.

"He played an acceptable game, not an extraordinary one. But the team didn't play an extraordinary game either. And Vinicius, within that context, he did his job very well," he added.

Vinicius has struggled to reach his best level this season, having scored just once for Real Madrid.

He has also failed to register a goal or assist since the club's 4-1 win over Rayo Vallecano on September 12, with his limited attacking contributions becoming a growing concern.

Mourinho was also questioned about claims that Vinicius' presence was forcing Yan Diomande to operate on the right wing.

However, the Portuguese tactician rejected the suggestion, explaining that Diomande is comfortable playing on either side of the attack.

"Vinicius isn't forcing anything. Diomande came to Real Madrid to play on both wings, not just one. He doesn't care. It changes absolutely nothing for him which side he plays on," Mourinho explained.

Meanwhile, Vinicius is serving a four-match domestic suspension following separate incidents involving Nathan Saliba and referee Isidro Diaz de Mera.

The Brazilian has already missed Real Madrid's victories over Sevilla, Barcelona and Racing Santander, with Saturday's trip to Valencia set to be the final match of his suspension.

He is expected to return to La Liga action when Real Madrid host Celta Vigo after the international break.

Real Madrid currently occupy third place in the league standings with 27 points from 11 matches, three points behind leaders Barcelona and one point behind second-placed Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho will be hoping his patient approach helps Vinicius regain his best form as the club continues its pursuit of success in domestic and European competitions.